![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6976926.1721883767!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
Calgary’s urban hen program open to ‘unlimited’ number of applicants this year
![Calgary hens, City of Calgary, urban hens, A young girl can be seen feeding two black chicken in a chicken coop in a backyard in the city. (City of Calgary)](/content/dam/ctvnews/en/images/2022/3/9/calgary-hens--city-of-calgary--urban-hens--1-5812410-1646849884079.jpg)
The City of Calgary says there will be no limit on the number of people allowed to keep backyard hens this year.
Last year, the city capped the number of urban livestock licences issued at 100.
In total, the city says 136 people applied. All of the applicants were entered into a lottery system and the successful 100 were chosen at random.
On Wednesday, the city announced it would be releasing an "unlimited" number of licences for 2023.
"We heard from Calgarians that modern pet ownership means more than just caring for cats and dogs," said spokesperson Tara Decker in a news release.
Calgarians interested in applying can do so now, but will need to meet the following application criteria:
- Be 18+ years old or have a parent or guardian apply on their behalf;
- Complete approved hen-keeping and care training;
- Own the property hens will be kept on or have written permission from the property owner; and
- Acquire a free Premise Identification (PID) number from the Government of Alberta.
As hens are group animals, you must apply to keep either two or four.
Applicants must also contact the planning and development department to discuss where the coop will be built in their backyards.
"The rules are designed to mitigate concerns before they start – things like not allowing roosters, and ensuring proper housing, training, care conditions and opportunities to address any concerns from your community," said Decker.
More information on the urban hen program is available on the City of Calgary's website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6976926.1721883767!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
AS IT HAPPENED Wildfire reaches Jasper Wednesday night, causes 'significant loss'
One of two wildfires threatening Jasper National Park reached the townsite Wednesday night and caused 'significant loss.'
Alberta calls in army to assist with wildfire situation
Alberta has called in the Canadian Armed Forces to help assist with the worsening wildfire situation in the province.
Biden explains why he ended re-election bid in Oval Office address
U.S. President Joe Biden on Wednesday delivered a solemn call to voters to defend the country's democracy as he laid out in an Oval Office address his decision to drop his bid for reelection and throw his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris.
Barrie-Innisfil MPP 'blacked-out' and crashed car into window of child care centre
Staff at a Barrie child care centre say they are frustrated by what they call a local MPP's inadequate response after a car crashed through a window in one of the toddler rooms.
Norad intercepts Russian and Chinese bombers operating together near Alaska in apparent first
The North American Aerospace Defence Command (Norad) intercepted two Russian and two Chinese bombers flying near Alaska Wednesday in what appears to be the first time the two countries have been intercepted while operating together.
2 Canadians being 'sent home immediately,' removed from Olympic team after drone incident
An analyst and an assistant coach with Canada Soccer are being removed from the Canadian Olympic Team and 'sent home immediately,' according to the Canadian Olympic Committee.
An unwelcome attendee has joined the Paris Olympic Games: COVID-19
After a handful of Australian water polo players tested positive for COVID-19 this week, questions have emerged around how the spread of the disease will be mitigated at the Summer Olympic Games in Paris.
Vacations, meals, booze: Contractor used $100K of charity's money for personal expenses, B.C. court finds
A B.C. man who was hired to help a non-profit build a food hub but instead spent the money on personal expenses – including travel, restaurants, booze and cannabis – has been ordered to pay more than $120,000 in damages.
Male, female killed, 2 others injured in 'gun battle' outside Toronto plaza: police
Two people are dead and two others suffered serious injuries following a shooting that police have described as a 'gun battle' outside a plaza in Scarborough, Ont. early Wednesday morning.